And here we are folks, finally in my digital and physical hands is the first (of seven) books about the Rivven (aka the Amaranthine). Since the blog post that Forthy first made mention to when this arrived I have been EAGER to read.

Having had Forthy's fanfic writing in my life since my early 20s, this leap into original fiction was well done.

Echoes of familiarity will pluck at attentive fans as several pieces are adapted from her popular fics. Hisoka-sensei being the most obvious, but the story pace and the telling of it are far better indicators.

Tsumiko is passive at first - having lived her whole life in a secluded school (Saint Midori's) first as a student and later as a teacher, she had no reason to expect that would change. And yet....well fate has a way of finding ways for all of us to be useful in much more interesting ways.

Argent, both by virtue of inhabiting several of my favorite character traits as well as being who he is, was a lot of fun. Of the Fox Amaranthine clans, he is as scornful and mischievous and frustrating as he is elegant and caring and resourceful.

There is much in this Tale which is not pretty. There's a sort of...dark undertone that while never graphically shown is frequently spoken of in regards to just how far beings will go in cruelty when they have the power to do so and the knowledge its against someone powerless to prevent it.

Rape is discussed, as well physical abuses and emotional abuses. Again not graphically, but the emotional (and physical) consequences are part of the story.

While some of the world confused me, by in large I really enjoyed the world built here. Because of Tsumiko's seclusion we are introduced as she is, giving readers a chance to catch up as she has to. In some cases this is vexing - I'm still hazy on much of Amaranthine political structuring. In others it's fascinating as Forthy blended many different myths, legends, original ideas and fact to create some unique customs.

This is a slow burn story of acceptance, respect, love, and understanding. Tsumiko is not perfect nor is Argent always in the right despite his situation. They both have to learn to let go of preconceptions or expectations.

Now to await the next book... ( )

Tsumiko receives an unexpected inheritance from her aunt, including an ancestral estate and a butler who isn’t wholly human.

This was… hmm, not the sort of story I was expecting, for one thing, and not always as clearly written as I needed it to be, for another. There were a few jarring moments when I had to re-evaluate my understanding of this fantasy world -- jarring because, rather than feeling like the moment was supposed to be a revelation, it instead seemed as if there should have been some earlier hint or explanation.

But it was certainly readable. It kept my interest. I’m not sure if I want to read more of this approach to explaining worldbuilding, but I suspect that if I do, I will find those stories easy to keep reading. ( )

The opening chapter to this novel held a bit of promise, enough so that I was interested in what was befalling the main character. I wanted to know more about her mysterious Aunt and the circumstances of the inheritance she was given.

Unfortunately, within the first few chapters, the author has set the two main characters into immediate physical intimacy, and while there is a plot reasoning for it, I must admit it is not to my personal taste. Does this make the book bad? No. It makes this book something that just does not personally tick off the boxes of things I like in a book. Give me a slow burn, and I am happy. I'm also old(ish) and was never able to get very into Inuyasha, so that may be why the book missed its mark.

However, if you were in love with Inuyasha, this series is an original and interesting take on the same sort of dynamic and you might just love it. I still recommend anyone to try it. ( )

3 stars

This was fun! A nice lively adventure.
Which raised many questions. And left many threads dangling.

I have mixed feelings about Tsumiko. Why is she so calmly accepting???? How in holy hell have they managed to miss her??? Why is she such a Sue??

I knew what I was getting into where writing style is concerned. But I REALLY would have preferred more depth. More character development would be nice too.

FINAL VERDICT : TRY IT ( )

This was so novel, and I enjoyed picturing all the characters and places like in an anime. Too sweet for some I imagine. ( )